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Students Take Part in County's First Democracy Day

On October 29, Sophomore Colin McDonald and junior Jillian Pontz joined their AP American Government and Politics teacher Justin Keefer for Lancaster County’s first Democracy Day. The three were among approximately 80 students and teachers representing more than two dozen county high schools to attend the event at Garden Spot High School.

Colin and Jillian spent the first part of the day in small groups debating issues relevant to the upcoming election and meeting with local politicians. They also collaborated on questions for the day’s main event; a debate between U.S. Rep Lloyd Smucker (R) and Jess King (D). The candidates for Pennsylvania’s 11th District, which encompasses all of L-S, answered questions asked by students for an hour. The debate was streamed live and is available to view online.

"It was great to see students from across the county come together to discuss relevant topics - not just at the national level but also in Lancaster County," said Mr. Keefer.

The inaugural Democracy Day was “held by LNP Media Group with partners Lancaster Chamber and Eastern Lancaster County School District to promote civic engagement and civility leading up to the November 6 election,” according to a LNP report.